Grati-Tuesdays

Hi all,

Another busy day here in Aussie Hero Land.  Just a short post tonight as I have lots to do to get quilts away to quilters and make sure everything is up to date before I go to Brisbane. I know it is a month before I leave but it will be the longest I have been away since starting AHQ and it is a really busy time so I can't afford to let things slide.

REALLY IMPORTANT!

The next sewing day at Penrith is on this Sunday the 3rd. It is a busy time of year so I know there are a few people who can't make it.  Personally I don't mind how many or few people we get as if we get a lot we will get lots done but if only a few of us are there that means that I will get a lot done.  But I just need to know which it is going to be so I can prepare.  

If you are planning to come to the sewing day in Penrith this weekend please let me know by by 8am Thrusday morning.  Pretty please.

I have heard a few comments (or read them in emails) about people making laundry bags for the Laundry Bag Challenge we are having to coincide with the Brisbane Dinner.  With a lovely heart shaped pendant to win courtesy of our Money Honey you have to be in it to win it.

Just a few thank you messages to share with you today.  Firstly one for Granny Smith, who whilst on holidays with her husband, traveled on the Ghan!  Granny Smith was keen to knock a few things off her "bucket list" while away and one of those was apparently to "ride a quad bike". Unfortunately it appears the only thing that got knocked off was Granny Smith herself.  As a result she pulled all the muscles in her back quite badly and has had quite a period of recovery to endure.  At one point I gave this fellow a little update on his quilt's progress, I think it was when he wrote to say he had received his laundry bag and I told him about Granny Smith's mishap, hence his comment about "anything with an engine".  LOL

.....

Good afternoon Rita M (Granny Smith)

To say that I am overjoyed is a complete understatement. Thank you so very much for MY quilt (hands off to my Son) which has just arrived in the last hour.  The only reason I haven't emailed sooner is that I have been busy showing it off - believe me, I have.

When you are visualising surprises, and waiting in anticipation for the arrival, you often wonder 'what will it be like' - and Rita, you far and away exceeded even my highest expectations - Thank you very, very much.

The time of day has caught me unawares and I am going to have to close for now. For now though Rita. thanks very much for your efforts. Believe me it is appreciated more than you know.  Please stay away from anything with an engine, at least until I get the opportunity to say thank you to you personally.

Please take care - stay safe and thank you.

Kindest regards,

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Do you remember the Mystery Quilt that we did with the purple and aqua theme and the elephant blocks?  Well I can't remember if I showed it to you on the blog, or if I was waiting til it had been received, so here it is in case you haven't seen it!  How cute!

And don't you love the quilting that Belinda did.  Here you can see a frog but there were also mice and giraffe and cats and more. How cute!  

Seriously aren't we lucky to have such wonderful quilters who donate their time and skills to us!

This quilt went to a sailor who joined HMAS Newcastle late in the piece.  That meant that she missed out on putting her name down for a quilt when everyone else did. It also meant that she could not get her quilt sent to her on board as there just was not time.   There was time, however, to make it as a Mystery Quilt and what fun!  She has recently returned home and here is her response to her quilt...

Hey Jan

Just arrived to my mums house and what was waiting for me but the most amazing quilt I have ever seen. I thank you soooo much.   I can't believe the amount of care and love that went into it. It's amazing. I am so thankful. 

Sincerely 

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Good morning Julie-Ann, 

I recently became the proud recipient of a very impressive laundry bag that you made for me.  Thank you so much for the effort that you have put into this and any others you have made for defence members it is very much appreciated! 

Thankfully I should be home just in time to spend Christmas with my wife and our respective families. 

I wish you all the best for Christmas - I spent many a long summer in Adelaide growing up, and have a great New Year with your husband and imminent grandchild. 

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My heart was warmed beyond measure upon receiving my quilt.

The beautiful Liz and Brian from XXXXXX who put my quilt together also included a postcard with my parcel - receiving this has certainly been a highlight of my deployment so far.

The work that all the sewers and contributors to The Aussie Quilts initiative is truly remarkable.

Thank you again and I hope that many more can support your efforts to allow current and future deployed members to receive such a memorable gift for their time on operations.

Thank you

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Good afternoon Sue, 

I got your laundry bag and I have to say I love it! Thank you so much for the time you put into making it, and for your jokes/puzzle card as well! 

Anyway just thought I'd drop you an email to say how much I appreciate the support. I've seen a few other members with the laundry bags as well, and its really amazing how much the small things count when you're far away from family and home. 

Once again, thank you! 

Every now and then it is nice to learn a little more about some of those who sew for Aussie Heroes.  Recently the Clyde Street Quilters of Kempsey were visited by  a reporter and photographer and here is the resulting article for you to enjoy!

newpaper article  

Till next time.................keep spreading the word and happy stitching! JMxx